Bidirectional Conveyor Control for Alternating Transfer Modes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bidirectional conveyors are not configured to efficiently transfer a transfer target between different points, lacking a specific control method for bidirectional operation.
Innovation Solution
A transfer system with a bidirectional conveyor device and a control device that alternates between first and second modes to efficiently transfer a transfer target in opposite directions, using a predetermined period for each mode.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bidirectional conveyor is used as a backup line for a conveyor disposed side by side, then the conveyor can provide backup capability, but it cannot efficiently transfer targets between different points in normal operation
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional conveyor is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a backup conveyor when needed, but can also function as a primary active conveyor for efficient bidirectional transfer operations. The control device enables the conveyor to switch between different operational modes (first mode and second mode) to optimize performance for different transfer directions, making the single conveyor versatile enough to handle both backup and primary transfer roles effectively
2Adaptability or versatility
If the conveyor operates in bidirectional mode, then transfer flexibility is improved, but control complexity increases due to the need to manage alternating transfer modes
Solution Approach 1:
The control device implements periodic action by operating the bidirectional conveyor in alternating first mode and second mode cycles. Each mode corresponds to a specific transfer direction, and the control device switches between modes based on predetermined periods and transfer requirements. This periodic operation simplifies control logic compared to continuous bidirectional control, as the conveyor operates in discrete, manageable phases rather than requiring complex real-time bidirectional coordination
Solution Approach 2:
The control device dynamically adjusts operational parameters based on real-time conditions, including the number of transfer targets waiting in queues at different locations. When the queue length difference exceeds a threshold, the control device switches between first mode and second mode to balance the transfer loads. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain optimal performance while managing control complexity through rule-based decision making
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides a transfer system capable of efficiently transferring, by use of a bidirectional conveyor, a transfer target between different points. The transfer system include a control device that: executes, in an alternate manner, a first mode in which a transfer target on a conveyor mechanism of a bidirectional conveyor device is transferred in a first direction and a second mode in which a transfer target is transferred in a second direction reverse to the first direction; and continues the first mode according to a predetermined first period defining a duration of the first mode.